Driving and governing means for torpedoes



E. A SPERRY.

DRIVING AND GOVERN|NG MEANS FOR TORPEDOES. I I APPLICATION FILED APRIZI 1915- I 1,378,291 Patented May 17, 1921.

2 SHEETSSHEET I.

INVENTOR. ELMER H. SPERRY A TTORNE Y.

E. A SPERRY.

DRIVING AND GOVERNING MEANS FOR TORPEDOES.

APPLICATION'HLED mm. 1915.

Patented May 17,1921.

- 2 SHEEIS-SHEET 2.

u l ljlIIIIIIINIIIIII IE I!) IN VEN TOR. ELMER A. SPERRV A TTORNE ELMER A. SPERRY, OF; BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

DRIVING AND GOVERNING MEANS FOR TORIPEDOES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 17, 1921.

Application filed April 2, 1915. Serial No. 18,861.

' To all whom it may concern:

. will avoid the difficulties and limitations of the present methods. No small part of the novelty of this invention resides in sustaining the Speed of the driving and controlling parts of the torpedo so as to secure a constant relation between the rudder, general control of the tor edo and its forward movement, whereby the reliability of torpedoes of the classto which this invention relates is greatly improved. 1 I have also devised a novel electric drive system, which will not only serve to propel the torpedo but will furnish power for governing and controlling the movements of the torpedo. Other subsidiary objects of my invention are to improve the construction of batteries to render them suitablefor my purpose, and to improve the construction of the automatic depth and steering devices on the torpedo.

Further objects will appear as I describe my invention in detail. My invention is best adapted to the control of a torpedo of the general type shown in the patent to Howell 311325, Jan. 27, 1885, and has accordingly been shown as applied to this type, although it will be understood that my invention is also well adapted for all classes of torpedoes.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan-view, partly in section, of a torpedo assembled.

Fig. 2 1s a diagrammatic view of the depth control means. 1

Fig. 3 is a detail of said means.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the automatic steering gear.

Fig. 5 is a cross section of a torpedo showing one special form of battery.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section of torpedo showing another form of battery.

7. is a cross section of the same.

Fig. 8 is a detail of the clutch shown in F1 s. 2 and 4.

1g. 9 is a vertical section of the stern of a torpedo.

Flg. 10 is a wiring diagram of electrical mechanism.

In the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes the shell of a torpedo, embodying what I now consider to be the preferred form of my invention. For driving the torpedo I employ a special form of motor 2,

positioned with its shaft 6 extending transversely of the torpedo. The motor is designed so as to secure a maximum moment of inertia of the rotating part. To effect this purpose, the armature 3 is made to revolve around the field 4, and is provided with a heavy encircling rim 5. When so designed and positioned the motor not only serves to drive the torpedo, but performs an extremely valuable function in the steering thereof. The heavy mass or ring 5 revolving on the horizontal fixed transverse axis within the torpedo furnishes a gyroscopic means for rolling the torpedo as a whole about its longitudinal or major axis in response to a slight deflection or pressure tendin to cause such deflection of the major axis. 11 other words, any tendency for the torpedo to leave the course upon which it is set results in the rollin of the torpedo which is designed to bring into action means for returning the torpedo to its course as hereinafter explained. Ilhe armature may be supported from shaft 6 by means of a spider 7, the hub 8 of which is secured to the shaft adjacent the commutator 9. The field poles 10 are supported independently of shaft 6 by being secured to a bracket 11 or other part rigidly secured to the shell. Both the armature windings 12 and the field coils 13 are of special construction, being provided with heat-proof insulation de-' signed with a maximum heat absorbing and heat dissipating capacity.

The conductor also is selected not only for its electrical conductivity, but also for its thermal, heat absorbing and dissipating capacities. As a means of increasin the capacity of the motor, I have found it advisable to cool it to a low temperature before launching, as by storing the whole torpedo minus the electrolyte for the battery, in cold storage, or by circulating refrigerated air through the motor compartment prior to launching.

My idea is to design a motor, which is to be operated for a comparatively short time at a hitherto unheard of overload. By constructing a motor according to my invention, I find that I am able to produce a motor which will develop from five to ten times the horsepower per pound that is secured with any. of the present types of continuously operated motors. In order to assist in the cooling, after starting, a ventilating fan 14 may be provided. The motor may have any electrical Characteristics which will give a practically constant sustained speed.

Power is transmitted. from the motor 2,

to the propeller shaft 15 by means'of a pin- I ion 16 on the motor shaft, which meshes with a double facedgearlf, the beveled face of which drives a large bevel gear 18 secured to shaft 15. A thrust bearing is shown at 19,

to support the shaft and to receive the thrust from the propellers 20 and 21, one of which (21) may be secured directly on the shaft. The other propeller '(20) is loosely, mounted on the shaft and is revolved oppositely by means of a bevel gear train comprising gear I 22 secured to said shaft, a pair of'idle-rs 23 and a gear 24, secured to an extending sleeve 25 of propeller 20. The thrust from propeller 20 is transmitted to shaft 15 by hearing 120 between the end of sleeve 25 and bevel gear 22.

The usual stufiing boxes are provided, as

at 121, 122 and 123, and in addition I prefer to locate a single watertight bulkhead 124 inside of all of usual boxes, so that an additional safeguard against damage to the electrical mechanism by water will be provided. A stuffing box 125 for shaft 15 is supplied in the bulkhead.

For controlling the depth at which the torpedo is driven and for governing the pitching, I make use of the improved mech-- anism illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 2. A pendulum 30 is suspended within the torpedo, so as to be substantially unaffected by individual oscillations due to pitching. On said pendulum is pivoted a lever 31, the position of which is governed by a hydrostatic pressure gage 32, through link 33, bell crank lever 34 and link 35. The gage is shown as comprising a flexible diaphragm 36, the periphery of which is securely clamped between the walls of an apertured cup 37' which is inserted in an opening in the bottom of the torpedo, and a clamp ring 38. The hydrostatic pressure of the diaphragm is received by the compression springs 39, which permit movement of the diaphragm to correspond to the different pressures. I prefer to provide a plate 40 to receive the downward thrust of the springs, and to provide an adjustable plate 41 for the other end of. the

springs, whereby the tension of the springs,

'tion by a pin 43, which engages a slot or be seen that a ready means is provided to vary the position assumed by the plate 40 for a given hydrostatic pressure. A guide 7 46, which is secured to plate 40, may be provided for the lower end of stem 42. Thumb piece 45 is placed within a cup 146, inserted in the shell .1, so that after adjustments are complete,'a closure 47 may be screwed into place. Preferably I provide the stem and cup with a suitable means, such as a pointer 48 and-scale 49, graduated to read in feet for indicating the depth at which the torpedo will run. The diaphragm 36 may obviously control the depth rudder directly, if desired, but in the present invention other intermediate mechanisms are disclosed.

I deem it of 'importance to provide the pendulum 30 with damping means such as a dash pot 50. From the pendulum, or speaking more accurately, from the lever 31, I actuate the horizontal rudders 51 through a novel system of electricalcontacts. The lower end of lever 31 serves as the arm of a double-throw switch, the poles of which, 52 and 53, are mounted ona slidable'member 54. In circuit with pole 52 is an electromagnet 55, a corresponding magnet 56 being in circuit with pole 53. These magnets .100 serve as the actuating means for a reversi ble friction clutch 57. This clutch, as shown comprises a pair of intermeshing gears 58, rotated in opposite directions from the main propeller shaft 15. A friction pulley 158 is mounted on the shaft of each gear 58. Pivoted at 62, adjacent said friction pulleys, is a frame 60 which carries a larger friction Wheel 61, adapted to be brought into frictional engagement with one or the other of pulleys 158 upon the energization of the proper magnet 55 or 56, which attracts a ortion 63 of the frame as an armature. entralizing springs 64 may be provided for frame 60 to hold wheel 61 normally disengaged.

In Fig. 2, all portions of the clutch 57 have been turned at right-angles to their proper position with relation to the other elements of the figure in order to show clearly the entire system in one figure, but wheel 61 is shown again at C1 in its correct position. Mounted on the shaft 75 of wheel 61 is a worm 65, which drives a worm wheel 66, carrying a pinion 67. A slidable rack 68 meshes with said pinion "and is connected to the horizontal rudder so as to actuate with means whereby they may be drawn apart upon actuation of the rudder, before the torpedo has changed its position sufiiciently to draw them apart. For this purpose I rovide a follow-up connection between t e rudder and .member 54, which may take the form of a cord or wire 70 ex tending betweenrack 68 and member 54.

rotating mass should have its spin sustained at as constant speed as possible, so the torque applied aboutthemajor axis shall bear some constant and dependable relation tothe forward speed of the torpedo which is also propelled from this gyro motor. When conditions of this invention are secured the angular rotation of the torpedo is very (great as compared-to the angular lateral isplacement of the axis and when the constant rotation above mentioned is achieved a most desirable and constant rudder action is secured and the torpedo is rendered dependable. 1

The vertical rudder is represented in Fig. 4 at 7 2. Its position is governed primarily by a pendulum 30, similar to pendulum 30, but pivoted at right angles thereto. This pendulum is also damped by a dash pot 50". In this case, however, the common contact for the double switch 52', '53 may be mounted directly on the pendulum, as at 73. This switch controls the clutch 57 which may be identical to clutch 57, in the same manner as above described with reference to clutch 57 In the present instance, however, a bevel gear 76 is mounted on the shaft 75 of friction wheel 61 and the worm 65 is mounted on. a shaft 77 at right angles to shaft 75', which is rotated from gear 76 by bevel gear 78. The slidable rack 68 is connected to rudder 72 by linkage 69'. As in the other case, I prefer to employ a follow up connection 70 between the switch member 54 and the rudder 7 2.

To actuate all of the above described electrical mechanism, I prefer to employ a single source of electrical supply,'such as a powerful primary or secondary battery 80. To meet the unusual conditions imposed by the limits of space and weight, and in order to provide an extremely high rate of discharge, I have devised the novel form of battery which I will now describe in detail, but I wish it to be understood that my invention in its broader aspects is not limited to this special form of battery.

trode 81 and a negative electrode 82, which are previously specially prepared, but which are placed within the torpedo without or denuded of the electrol e. The electrodes are prepared preferably y taking a standard lead storage battery, charging it, and then pouring ofi the electrolyte. The negative electrode is then replaced by a zinc electrode. When it is desired to use the battery, the electrolyte (preferably dilute sulfuric acid), is added.

In order to preserve the plates from the action of the atmosphere, I may coat either or both of them with a coatlng, such as glycerin, which will dissolve in the electrolyte when added. i

To adapt such a battery for use in a torpedo, I have devised a mechanical construc tion which will insure the simultaneous filling of.all the cells of a large battery immeliately prior to the launching of the torpc 0.

In preparing the torpedo, the explosive chamber 83 is removed and the battery slid in. As this is done, one of the 'contacts 84 is automatically made, which leads to the commutator through heavy wire 85 and a starting rheostat hereinafter described. As the chamber 83 is replaced the other contact 85 is made which is short-circuited to the shell 1 of the torpedo, thereby providing a good and self-cooled conductor for the very heavy current that must be handled. The torpedo may then be stored upside down, until it is desired to launch it.

At some time prior to the launching, the

electrolyte is poured through a tube 86, into special reservoir 87 adapted to hold the electrol e out of contact with the electrodes. Eac reservoir 87 is designed to hold only the required charge for one cell, an overflow pipe or connection 88 being provided to connect it tothe next reservoir, so that the repeptlacles are filled successively to the correct eve 1 An overflow pipe 89 is connected to the in nermost receptacle and is brought back underneath the battery or reservoirs to a point adjacent the filling tube, where an outlet is provided. A common means is provide'd for closing both the inlet and outlet. This may.

valve 91 through the diaphram when the plug 93 is screwed into place.

All of the cells are placed in a common box 98 and soft packing 99 may be pro- Each cell is composed of a positive 'elec; vided both within and without the box if desired. I have shown two constructions for the auxiliary receptacles 87. In Fig. 5, the receptacles ,87" have no connection with the cells proper except through the usual funnels 100, with which the receptacles are united by a flexible nipple 101, said funnels and nipples serving both to mechanically unite the main and auxiliary receptacles, 80 and 87, and as a connection whereby the electrolyte may enter the. main cell. In Figs. 6 and 7, the auxiliary reservoir 87 is made to fit tightly in the top of the cell 180, slots 102 and 103 being provided in the walls of 87 and 80, respectively, for the reception of extending lugs 104 on the electrodes.

Preferably the batter is so designed with reference to the torpe 0 that its center. of gravity is below ,the center of buoyancy to the torpedo, so that the torpedo will have a definite position of equilibrium when submerged. In this connection, a novel function of the controlling mechanism of the torpedo with reference to the battery should be noted. With a battery containing a liquid electrolyte it is absolutely essential that means be provided to stabilize the torpedo, to prevent the spilling of the elec-.

trolyte. This function is automatically performed by the motor 2 operating in connection with the control means described above, as will be readily apparent.

As stated above, the battery 80 is used to operate the entire mechanism of the torpedo. In Fig. 9 is shown one form of electrical installation, in which an automatic starting means for the motor is shown. A projecting portion 104 of a knife switch 105 is arranged to strike an abutment in launching, thereby closing a circuit through an automatic starting rheostat 106 to the motor 2. Means are arranged between the motor armature 3 and the rheostat whereby the resistance is radually cut out as the motor speeds up. or this purpose, a pulley 107 may be belted to the motor shaft-6, which serves to rotate a worm 108 through bevel gears 109 and 110. The worm wheel 111 meshing with worm 108 has a portion of its periphery without teeth, and is connected to the arm 112 of the rheostat by a pitman 113. It will readily be seen that upon starting of the motor the arm will be drawn down to cut out the resistance by the rotation of the worm wheel 111, and that it will be held in that position by the worm 108 running 0E the toothed portion of the worm wheel. It should also be observed that the inrush of current to the motor is limited not only by the rheostat but by the inherent properties of the battery employed. Thus the instant the battery is inverted a strong current will not be sent since the electrolyte will require time to flow from the receptacle 87 through restricted passages 101 into the cells or battery receptacles proper 80. The amount of current is further limited to the rounded shape of the bottom of the battery 80 since, as will readily be seen, a small amount of liquid in the battery will wet a much smaller surface'of the plate with a round bottom such as shown than if the bottom were flat.

The operation of my device is as follows :-Starting with the torpedo as it is removed from storage with the battery in place, but ina dry condition, the first step is to fill the reservoirs 87 through tube 86. Immediately prior to launching the torpedo is turned over, which will cause each cell to be filled with the proper charge of electrolyte. As the torpedo is shot from the tube, the starting switch 104 is closed which will start the motor 2 through the cut-out rheostat 106, as described. The motor is designed for a powerful starting torque and rapid acceleration so that it'will be up to speed by the time the torpedo leaves the tube and preferably before it strikes the water. If the torpedo should pitch downwardly for instance, or if the hydrostatic pressure should become greater than the amount the gage 48- was set for, the contact 31-52 would be made or other connections operated, causing the elevating rudder 51 to bring about the required change in the position of the torpedo. Similarly, if the torpedo should turn off the course, the resulting roll of the torpedo would close one of contacts 73, 52' or 53 or otherwise bring about a corrective shift in the position of rudder 72. This is all secured under the conditions of the constant relation described between the various agencies involved, which cause the rudder to be actuated and the speed of the torpedo through the water maintained, thus bringing about an ideal condition and contributing materially to the accuracy of the aim and straightness of the long range sustained runs which are made possible therefor by the other devices of the present invention.

It will be seen from the above that I have devised an extremely simple torpedo of remarkable efficiency.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, I have herein described the principles of operation of my invention, together with the apparatus which I now consider to represent the best embodiment thereof, but I desire to have it understood that the apparatus shown is only illustrative and that the invention can be carried out by other means. Also, while it is designed to use the various features and elements in the combination and relations described, some of these may be altered and others omitted without interfering with the more general results outlined, and the invention extends to such use.

Having described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an automobile torpedo, automatic control means for governing the depth at which the torpedo is driven, a motor for driving the torpedo and a common source of electric supply for said means and motor.

2. In an automobile torpedo, automatic control mean for governing the direction and the depth at which the torpedo is driven, a motor for driving the torpedo, and a common source of electric supply for said means and motor.

3. In a torpedo, the combination with a propeller shaft, of. a driving means therefor comprising a hollow rotor mounted with a transverse axis of rotation within the torpedo and forming the armature of an electric motor, a stationary field supported within the said rotor, and gearing connecting said rotor and said propeller shaft.-

4. In a torpedo, the combination with a propeller shaft, of a driving means therefor, comprising a transversely extending shaft, a. hollow rotor mounted thereon forming the armature of an electric motor, a stationary field sup-ported within the said rotor, but exteriorlyof said shaft, and gearmg connecting said shaft and the propeller shaft. o

5. In an automobile torpedo, an electric driving motor comprising an armature mounted transversely of the torpedo, inner and outer propeller shafts, opposite bevel gears on said shafts, respectively, a pinion connecting said gears and gearing connecting one of said shafts and said armature.

6. In a torpedo the combination with a propeller shaft, of a driving means therefor, comprising a hollow rotor mounted withatransverse axis of rotation within the torpedo and forming the armature of an electric motor, a stationary field supported within the said rotor, a ventilating fan on said rotor, and gearing connecting said rotor and said propeller shaft.

7. In an automobile torpedo, an electric motor for driving said torpedo, comprising a rotor of large moment of inertia, a battery adapted'to supply said motor with current and voltage much in excess of its normal capacity, and an automatic starting switch between said battery and motor.

8. Means for the automatic control of torpedoes comprising an electric motor with its axis" placed athwartships, electrical means responsive to rolling of the torpedo for causing motion of the vertical rudder of the torpedo, and a source of electrical supply.

9. Means for the automatic control of torpedoes comprising an electric motor with its axis placed athwartships, electricalmeans responsive to rolling of the torpedo, a follow-up system interconnecting said rudder and said means, for actuating the vertical rudder of the torpedo, and a source of electrical supply.

10. The combination with-an electrically driven torpedo, of a battery mounted therein comprising a plurality of electrolyte re- 'ceptacles, some of which are adapted to hold the electrolyte out of contact with the electrodes, when the torpedo is in a .predetermined position, and connections between said receptacles permittin an interchange of the electrolyte upon t e torpedo being placed in its normal or-firing position.

11. The combination with an automobile torpedo and its exterior wall, of a liquid battery within the torpedo, an opening through the said wall'and connections between said opening and the battery whereby the batt6? may be filled from without the tore o. p 12. The combination'with an automobile torpedo and its exterior wall, of a liquid battery within the torpedo, comprising a plurality of cells, overflow pipes connectmg the cells and a filling tube leading without the wall of the torpedo, and connected to a portion of the cells, only.

13. The combination with an automobile torpedo and its exterior wall, of a liquid battery within the torpedo, comprising a plurality of cells, overflow pipes connecting the cells, a filling tube leading without the wall of the torpedo, and connected to a portion of the cells, only, and a final overflow tube leading without the wall of the torpedo.

14. The combination with an automobile torpedo and its exteriorwall, of a liquid battery within the torpedo, comprising a plurality of' cells, overflow pipes connecting the cells, a filling tube leading without-the wall of the-torpedo, and connected to a portion of the cells only, a final overflow tube leading without the wall of the torpedo and a common means for-closin both the overflow and filling openings in t e torpedo wall.

15. The combination with an automobile torpedo and its exterior wall, of a liquid battery within the torpedo, comprising a plurality of cells, an auxiliary electrolyte receptacle for the cells adapted to hold the electrolyte out of contact with the electrodes, an opening through the wall of the I torpedo permitting the filling of said auxiliary receptacle, and connections between the cells and said receptacle permitting an. interchange of the electrolyte upon a predetermined change in the position of the toredo. p 16. Thecombination with an automobile torpedo and its exterior wall, of a liquid b'attery within the torpedo, comprising a plurality of cells, overflow ipes connecting the cells, a fillin tube leading without the wallof the torpe o, and connected to a portion of the cells only, a final overflow tube leadchange of the electrolyte between the recep- I tacles and the containers upon achange in the position of the torpedo.

18. In a torpedo, a pendulum pivoted about an axis within the torpedo, cooperative contacts on said pendulum and another portion of the torpedo, means controlled by said contacts for actuating a rudder, and a follow-up connection between saidmeans and said contacts.

19. In a torpedo, a latent source of electrical supply, and means whereby the said supply may be rendered active .by altering the position of the torpedo.

20. In a torpedo, a latent source of electrical supply, and means whereby the said supply may be rendered active by placing the torpedo in a firing position.

21. In a torpedo, a latent source of electrical supply, means whereby the said supply may be rendered active by placing the torpedo in a firing position, and means operable from said source for maintaining the said position.

22. In a torpedo, a plurality of battery plates therefor, an electrolyte out of contact with said plates when said torpedo is in tion.

active position and means wlhereby said plates are immersed in said electrolyte when said torpedo is placed in firing position.

24. In combination a torpedo, a container therein, a plurality of battery plates in said container, an electrolyte normally out of contact with said plates, but brought into contact with said plates in said container when said torpedo is placed in firing posi- 25. In a torpedo, a driving motor, a liquid battery for propelling the same, means for holding the electrolyte and the electrodes out of contact prior to launching and a connection between said container and means, whereby the initial current furnished by the battery is limited by the amount of wetted surface of the electrodes.

26. In a torpedo, a driving motor, a liquid battery for propelling the same, including a container having a rounded bottom, in-

. eluding electrodes, and an electrolyte normally out of contact and means for introducing the electrolyte gradually into contact with the electrodes, whereby the initial inrush of current to the motor is limited.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, this 21st day of January, 1915.

ELMER A. SPERRY.

Witnesses: I

E. MEISTNER, E. M. BAUMGARTNER. 

